University courses preparing elementary education majors to incorporate creative movement into their teaching methodology are becoming requirements in many schools of education around the country. The article addresses three questions pertinent to preparing upcoming teachers: 1. How can pre-service generalist teachers develop an appreciation of…

As issues of equity consistently surface as a fundamental concern for dance education's past, present, and future, this commentary is the first of a number of pieces that will focus on root common goals, new ways of seeing the field, and acting upon both of these realizations in one's own site. In this initial commentary, the author discusses…

The dance studio typically features a wall of mirrors; however, there has been little research on the pedagogical advantages and disadvantages of mirrors in the training environment. Psychological studies on objective self-awareness, the ability to see one's self as an object, suggest that the mirrors magnify this state. How this increased…

The tradition of using giant puppets in dance rituals is widespread throughout Africa. Huge puppets can communicate spiritual and moral authority, which is all the more easily accepted because it is delivered with a sense of playfulness. Giant puppets also create unique movement possibilities. This potent combination of symbolic meaning and…

This publication contains Arizona public schools' academic standards for grade 4. The contents of this document include the following: (1) The Arts Standard 2006--Grade 4; (2) Comprehensive Health Education/Physical Activity Standards 1997--Essentials (Grades 4-8); (3) Foreign and Native Language Standards 1997--Essentials (Grades 4-8); (4)…

This paper focuses on Latvia's arts and cultural education. Cultural and creative dimensions of education in broader sense are responsibility both of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Culture. Decisions about the creation of the curriculum related to culture and creativity within education are made at central level. Latvia…

Assessment of craft in the creative/fine/performing arts is not different in any fundamental way from assessment of other competencies. By investigating the nature of critique and proposing a structural approach to examination/evaluation, we address processes and goals of assessment, providing access points for this difficult aspect of general…

An investigation into the effects of dance/movement programs on self-concept in older retired adults indicated that participants had higher, more positive self-esteem than nonparticipants and also had a heightened awareness of joint and muscle usage and body habits. (CB)

This book features 128 exploration exercises to help dancers improve their focus, observe and explore movement systematically, and refine their techniques to create better dances. It explores the fine line separating dance and movement. Nine chapters include: (1) "Creating Spatial Awareness" (using personal and general space and focusing…

This book explores the moving world, introducing more than 100 movement experiences organized around the themes of rules, recipes, props, poetry and prose, objects and images, and integrated arts. It is intended to help the teacher develop an eye as choreographer. The book includes six chapters. Each chapter identifies a theme, specific learning…

Investigated relationships between private dance schools and higher education programs, examining factors that facilitated or hindered successful collaborations. Surveys data indicated that positive connections were characterized by investigating and respecting the needs, cultures, and goals of potential partners during all phases of planning,…

Provides a transcultural perspective on somatics, reflecting on the evolution of somatics in different dance communities around the world, noting shifts that have occurred within specific cultural contexts, and discussing the presence of somatics in academia with the challenge of conducting research that retains somatic integrity. The article…

Explains that an important aspect of dance history is lost by not recording dance rehearsals. Argues that recording rehearsals can reveal the creative process and illuminate the environment that engendered this art form. Concludes that a transformed dance history will influence curriculum development. (GG)

Presents and illustrates dances of several American Indian tribes as performed by the American Indian Dance Theater. (MDH)

Unfortunately, many students with limited dance experience are afraid to venture into exploration for fear they will "do it wrong." Others fear negative criticism. For these, and a myriad of other reasons, many dancers (not to mention physical education students) avoid improvisation and choreography when, in fact, they should embrace such…